Unfortunately, Plotinus' worldview rested on an inadequate understanding of the universe, as based on the fledgling science of that age. It was an easy mistake to make, and while it might appear to be a reason to reject his work, it really just comes down to a matter of perspective. From our modern point of view it is difficult to see how his system works as an explanation for the existence of the universe, but if one thinks in terms of the solar system, then we have a perfect fit.
Plato asked a question that philosophers have been seeking answers to ever since, but have only managed to take sides on, and that is the question of what came first: mind or matter, or what is more fundamental. The question is not a mere curiosity because it tends to force those that think about these matters into different camps, and that has ramifications. When one believes that matter is fundamental they are known as materialists or empiricists; they believe reality can be explained without resorting to a creator, or God. The mind, for them, is a product of matter or the brain; most scientists tend to accept this explanation. On the other hand, where do the laws of physics come from? Was there a plan for creation, or did it all just spring into being as is? Do we survive death or not? Does religion have any meaning? What about love, goodness, and beauty, are they just products of the brain, or is there something lasting and unique about them? For Plato mind is fundamental, and those that accept his beliefs are of the philosophical position known as Idealism, a better term might be Idea-ism because of the connotation of the former.
With this in mind the Philosophy of Astrology begins with the assumption that the Big Bang came with Mind fundamental to the unfolding universe, and that energy is a necessary condition for Mind to exist. Once stars formed from the dying energy of the initial explosion, Mind continues to generate matter, stars, and energy in a self-sustaining cycle. Science may have discovered evidence of this in what they call Dark Matter, and Dark Energy. Scientists have no explanation of what these entities are, although they make up most of the mass of the universe.
At this point Plotinus enters the picture with his theory of the One describing how Mind works to bring life, meaning, and purpose to our modest little planet in and through the central star at the center of our own creation.
The Philosophy of Astrology is not available at this time due to editing, revisions, and the inclusion of new material based on new findings. Thanks for visiting.